20 UTI Home Remedies That Actually Work

Cranberry juice or supplements are commonly advised for avoiding UTIs because they have anti-microbial characteristics. This fruit does not allow bacteria to stick to the walls of the urinary system due to the presence of certain chemicals found in cranberries.

Thus, one can prevent UTI recurrences by having unsweetened cranberry juice or going for cranberry supplements. Nevertheless, the products added to them should not contain sugars as sweets make the condition worse for UTI patients.

Probiotics are known to modulate gut flora by strengthening the immune system to reduce the potential of UTI by way of blocking the effect of possible pathogenic microorganisms in the urinary system.

Probiotic-rich foods include yogurt, kefir and any other cultured milk and other foods. It is also advisable to consume probiotics that is, special food products enriched with essential bacteria, especially Lactobacillus.

Bacteria can not thrive in acidic conditions and vitamin C can help achieve this. When we consume vitamin C supplements the urine in the bladder turns acidic.

Vitamin C is also essential to make our immunity strong. It helps gear up the body's immunity, this means the UTI-causing bacteria cannot multiply further.

Different fruits rich in vitamin C include oranges, strawberries, and kiwi. Eating these fruits in optimum quantities on a daily basis is a way to put the pathogens causing UTI at bay. Vitamin C supplements are also recommended by many health care professionals along with antibiotics for effective treatment of UTI.

Personal hygiene should be observed to the utmost to avoid contracting UTIs. This entails practicing good hygiene involving cleaning the genital region before and after intercourse, passing urine after intercourse, and cleaning the anal area from front to back after defecation.

These practices assist in reducing the chances of bacteria from the anal region penetrating the urethra and bringing about infections. Also, it is recommended not to use scented and abrasive soaps, and it is useful not to take showers and wash the genital area.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic, all thanks to the compound present in it known as allicin. Different causative organisms of UTI including E coli is warded off by allicin.

One may consume raw garlic in their diet or take garlic supplements to prevent and treat UTIs. Garlic can be taken in its raw form as cloves, garlic oil supplements, or raw foods containing garlic ingredients to gain the benefit of these compounds and promote urinary tract health.

Consuming a lot of water also washes the bacteria out of the urinary system hence preventing the occurrence of infection. Drinking a lot of water also thins the urine and therefore reduces how much it can harm the bladder.

It is advised that you should take at least eight glasses of water a day to enable proper functioning of your urinary system. The other beverages that can used in place to add up to one’s fluid intake include herbal teas and clear broths.

D-mannose is a type of sugar. Though it's a new name, it is present in fruits like cranberries. This particular sugar may help lower your risk of developing a UTI and if you already have it, it prevents further spread.

This sugar helps stop bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary system. This is very beneficial if you want relief from UTI. It is therefore recommended that people with UTI consume foods high in D-mannose. Supplements present in a powder or capsules can also be consumed.

Frequent urination can help clear a lot of pathogenic bacteria from your urinary tract. Reversibly, withholding urine means the pathogens get time to spread in the tract. So, for recovery on time, it's important to pass urine frequently and not to retain it for long periods.

Drinking water and urinating regularly; emptying your bladder regularly is important to make sure the infecting microbes don't grow at all. So, frequent urination is not only a remedy but also a preventive measure. For this, you do need to drink tons of liquid, of course, the healthy ones!

Specific natural supplements for instance goldenseal possess anti bacterial characteristics and hence help in preventing urinary infections. These herbs are usually consumed in the form of health supplements or by making teas that are effective in the health of the urinary tract.

Nonetheless, it is advisable to seek professional advice before using any herbal product since other health complications or other drugs may interfere with the process.

Cleaning, beginning from the front to back is important in avoiding the spread of bacteria from the anal area to the urinary system. This practice assists in avoiding situations where the bacteria get into the urinary system and lead to infection.

Teaching the children the right techniques of wiping can also lead to a decrease in cases of UTIs. Practicing such hygiene measures as using soft and non-scented toilet paper and refraining from the use of abrasive wipes also play a lot in reducing the instances of such infections and keeping the bacterial balance in check.

Some methods of contraception like diaphragms and spermicidal agents potentially pose a risk of contracting UTI. If you get infections very often, it is recommended that you change to other methods such as condoms or non-spermicide, or oral contraceptive pills.

Discuss other types of birth control that will not increase the likelihood of having a urinary tract infection with your doctor to ensure that you get the right birth control method that is ideal for contraception while not compromising your urinary system.

Chamomile tea will help soothe the inflammation of the urinary tract, a most common cause of pain during UTI. Not only does it hold from painful symptoms, but it also has antibacterial properties. Sipping the chamomile tea also means you are avoiding the chances of relapse.

Chamomile contains antioxidants and other compounds that have sedative properties, which are useful in stress reduction, something that is often thought to be the cause of UTI occurrence. Chamomile tea hence is not only linked with flushing off the root cause but it is also your mental support during UTI.

You may have noticed a sudden uneasiness in your urinary tract when you eat certain foods. These are what irritants are. Some bladder irritant food products include foods rich in spices, caffeine, alcohol, and artificial sweeteners.

Eating these foods when you have a UTI can elevate the UTI discomfort. These foods need to be excluded from the diet to help body heal. You should rather focus on consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains more.

A heating pad has been a healer for many pains. Particularly in the case of UTI, try applying a heating pad on the lower abdomen. Doing so can help take all your pain away.

Heating can also decrease the chances of experiencing cramps or pressure in the affected area over the bladder.

It can also cause burns or irritation so it is advised to use a low setting and should not be applied for more than 15-20 minutes. This type of treatment can be complemented with other remedies like drinking a lot of water and washing the affected area to help improve the comfort and healing process.

This helps the genital area breathe and remain dry, and it does not encourage the formation of bacteria within the genital region. Wearing clothes that fit tightly, or clothes made of synthetic material may cause moisture and subsequent infections.

Select loose clothing made of natural fibers, and do not wear restrictive trousers or underwear that could chafe the skin. Personal cleanliness and dressing appropriately minimizes the likelihood of contracting a UTI and enhances the general well-being of an individual.

Parsley contains diuretic compounds that assist in enhancing the production of urine and thus removing bacteria from the urinary system. A cup of tea containing fresh and warm parsley is used to reduce the frequency of UTIs and boost the health of the urinary system In traditional medicine.

Also known to contain vitamins as well as antioxidants that are useful in enhancing the general health of the body, parsley is good for consumption. Daily drinking of parsley infusion together with other preventive measures can go a long way in keeping the urinary system healthy thus preventing any form of infection.

Bearberry also known as uva ursi contains natural antibacterial properties that might help in combating UTIs. It is most effective when used with other treatments that raise the pH, which results in pH swings.

Bearberry can be taken in the form of supplements or teas that can improve the health of the urinary system. However, it should only be taken under a doctor’s advice because prolonged use comes with its consequences.

It has been reported that some foods should not be taken since they affect bladder sensitivities to cause the symptoms of UTIs including foods containing sugars, artificial sweeteners, and those with low Ph.

These kinds of foods should be avoided to minimize putting pressure on the bladder and fasten the process of healing. It is recommended to adhere to a healthy eating plan that includes more fruits, vegetables, and whole grain products.

Choosing products such as soap, laundry detergent, or feminine hygiene products without fragrance can be beneficial in avoiding irritation and infection. Chemicals used in manufacturing these products interfere with the flow of bacteria and the pH balance of the genital area.

Picking products with hypoallergenic and unscented logos should do well to keep an environment healthy, and free of infections. Choose mild, non-irritating products with a proper pH that helps the skin maintain its protection mechanisms.

It is comfortable and the genital area remains dry thus minimizing the chances of bacteria growth especially if one is in a warm climate. It is recommended not to wear synthetic fabrics and tight clothing as it may lead to the growth of bacteria and cause UTIs. 

Ideally, one should change his/her underwear daily and wash it with non-fragranced soap to minimize the chances of an infection. Appropriate dressing contributes to the health of the urinary tract and the entire body.

Males and females, both are vulnerable groups to UTIs. UTI is a condition in which the tissues of the urinary tract get inflamed mainly due to pathogenic microbes.

The parts that get affected during the infection can be any, ranging from the urethra, ureter, and urinary bladder to the kidneys. It would be surprising for you to know that females suffer from UTI more due to variations in anatomy. Meaning, that females have shorter ureters which allows the infecting microbes to traverse upwards on the tract.

With proper practice, UTI can be washed away. If not treated on time, this same thing can bring complications.

The most common symptoms of urinary tract infection are as follows:

• Frequent Urination: A condition in which a person feels uncontrollably drawn to the bathroom, producing only a limited amount of urine each time.
• Burning Sensation: Pain or a sensation of stinging when passing urine which points to inflammation of some part of the urinary system.
• Cloudy Urine: Cloudy urine appearance due to the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, or pus.
• Strong-Smelling Urine: Foul-smelling, cloudy, or darkened urine due to the multiplication of bacteria or storage of waste materials in it.
• Pelvic Pain: Pain or a sensation suggesting pressure in the pelvic region or lower abdominal area, especially in females.
• Blood in Urine: Hematuria, which refers to the presence of blood in the urine, and this may result in the urine having a pink, red, or cola-like color.
• Fatigue: Experiencing feeling fatigued which can be a result of the immune system’s response to fight the virus.
• Fever and Chills: In severe conditions like kidney infection (pyelonephritis), fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and upper back or side pain can be observed.
• Pain in the Lower Back or Side: Pain localized in the lower back area or flank, especially in case of kidney involvement.